The Chernobyl nuclear disaster had a high ecological cost, with local wildlife suffering from physical deformities and reduced populations. The site has since emerged as a unique environment for scientists to study the long-term effects of continuous radiation exposure on plants and animals. A recent study showed that many bird species are surprisingly adaptable to life in highly radioactive areas.

Science Bulletins is a production of the National Center for Science Literacy, Education, and Technology (NCSLET), part of the Department of Education at the American Museum of Natural History.